May 28 - The appeal of the $1-million Belmont Stakes (Gr 1) is that it is the third and final leg of the U.S. Triple Crown and racing fans are eager to watch the winners of the first two legs - the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes - do battle.

However, this year's Belmont Stakes scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at Belmont Park in New York is expected to be a bit of a 'damp squib' because neither this year's Derby winner, Super Saver nor Preakness winner, Lookin At Lucky are running.

This is something of a blow for Belmont park officials who rely on the Belmont Stakes to bring in the punters as one of the biggest races on the venue's calendar. And without any big names in the race, attendance and thus the take is likely to drop.

And New York horse racing fans are forgiven for feeling a little 'short-changed.' Since the Belmont Stakes was inaugurated 79 years ago, on only eight occasions has the race been contested without a Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes winner.

It seems that this year the respective connections of Super Saver and Lookin At Lucky decided there was no point in running their charges in the Belmont Stakes with the Triple Crown out of contention. Not even the hefty purse could tempt them.

But it's not all doom and gloom as there is a silver lining. Even though the 2010 Belmont Stakes will be lacking its usual 'star power' this year, the race will be the ideal platform for an up-and-coming three-year-old runner to make his or her name.

So far the 2010 Belmont Stakes has attracted a field of 11 runners comprising Dave in Dixie, Drosselmeyer, First Dude, Fly Down, Game on Dude, Ice Box, Make Music for Me, Spangled Star, Stately Victor, Stay Put and Uptowncharlybrown.

Other Articles:

Smith Wins Belmont Stakes on Drosselmeyer - 06-07-10

$1m Pick Six likely at Hollywood Park Friday - 06-04-10

Two Towers Expected to Loom Large in Winter Cup - 06-01-10

Just Jenda Wins Monmouth Beach Stakes - 05-31-10

Big Guns Expected at Golden Horse Day on Saturday - 05-27-10

Goldikova Wins Prix d'Ispahan in Comeback - 05-25-10

Free Fighter Triumphs in Louisville Handicap - 05-24-10

Concord Point Set for Laz Barrera Memorial - 05-21-10


2012/04/02 06:42:14 AM